Source for Butternut

HI all!

I'm new to the list, but have carved for several years. My favorite is chip carving crosses -- I've used a lot of butternut (nominally 1'), but am having a hard time finding butternut in anymore. Does anyone know of a source for butternut that will ship to Denver? Or does anyone have a suggestion for alternate wood (I really like the depth / richness of butternut, and the figure).

Thanks!

geppetto09

[Nancy-G]

Welcome geppetto. You'll get some great butternut any size you want shipped to you from:
Dale Heinecke
76-27 1/2 Avenue
Cumberland, WI 54829
Phone 715-822-8642

Hi geppeto...I'm just up the mountain from you....Slim's Woodshed has lots of butternut, I bought a chunk at the carvers show there in Denver...their address is...http://www.web-site.com/slimswoodshed/specials.htm

[sheltiecarver]

I have used a bit of Catalpa - it is similar to butternut in carve-ability and in grain pattern. Â*It is currently a healthy species, and most of the butternut is now in danger from borers (they make a lot of small to medium holes). Â*Catalpa might be available locally - as from a tree service, since these are often ornamental trees. Â*The trees are fairly easy to spot once you have identified one - they have really large, yellow-green, heart-shaped leaves, and the seed pods (probably all that remains on the trees right now) are long, brown, and cigar shaped. Â*As a kid, I lived in the Midwest, and we often called them 'cigar trees'. Â*I have even found catalpa suitable to carve somewhat green. Â*It finishes beautifully, either natural, or with very thin washes or glazes of color. Â*Good luck to you!!

Thanks for the tips! I will check out Slim's Woodshed, and Dale H in WI. I've heard of catalpa, but never carved it. I think I will find some, and give it a try. I've used mahogany, but just wasn't happy with the 'depth' and grain. Thanks again, all!

Before I order a bunch of it xxx how does catalpa carve with hand tools? Saw some picture of catalpa carvings and like the looks of the wood, but have never touched a piece.

[sheltiecarver]

It Â*(catalpa) carves great with knives and gouges - that is my preferred method for any carving. Â*I'm not sure you can order it - I have only found it locally (like I find someone cutting one down). Â*I've pretty well noticed most of the trees in our area, and I'm getting less shy about asking for some. Â*The most I've ever paid is firewood price. Â*Hope you like it!

[mdallensr]

For northern grown butternut, try Tuckaway Timber at:
tuckaway@sover.net. They are really friendly and helpful, as most are in the carving world.